The Buffalo Sabres announced this week that former NHL enforcer Milan Lucic has been added to their professional scouting department, a move that comes just weeks after the 35‑year‑old hung up his skates after a 17‑year career that included a Stanley Cup championship with the Boston Bruins in 2011.
Lucic’s tenure in the league was marked by physical play and memorable moments, most notably a controversial hit on Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller that left the veteran netminder with a neck injury and sparked criticism from teammates and rivals alike.
A New Era of Scouting
The organization used the announcement to highlight a series of personnel changes overseen by first‑year general manager Jarmo Kekalainen, who has been busy reshaping the roster and support staff as part of a broader rebuild.
Among the new additions, Stacy Roest was promoted to director of player personnel and also takes on the role of GM for the Sabres’ American Hockey League affiliate in Rochester, while Tim Kennedy ascended to director of player development.
Kennedy will be joined by Derek Dorsett, who was hired as a forward development coach, and Jarkko Ruutu, appointed to lead European scouting efforts, expanding the team’s reach across the Atlantic.
Veteran defenseman Neil Komadoski also came on board as assistant director of pro scouting after sixteen seasons with the Vancouver Canucks, bringing a wealth of experience to the scouting roster.